Snorkeling on the Coast of Florida

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Colorful fish, unique coral reef formations and historical shipwrecks visible in clear, calm water make Florida a popular location for snorkeling. Some snorkeling locations are right offshore, and require no gear other than your snorkel, fins and mask. Other snorkeling hot spots require a boat ride, well worth the extra effort to view the underwater attractions.

Season

The best time to snorkel is during warmer months. The water gets cold during winter north of Tampa Bay along the Gulf of Mexico and north of Cape Canaveral along the Atlantic Ocean. The Florida Keys are well known for their clear, warm water that makes viewing marine life underwater a fun thing to do year-round.

Beachside

Some of Florida's best snorkeling beaches that do not require a boat ride are in the Florida Panhandle on the state's northwest coastline. The Fort Pickens jetties on Santa Rosa Island near Pensacola make a fun spot to snorkel right off the rocks. Shallow-water snorkeling at Crescent Beach in Siesta Keys gives you a chance to spot colorful fish on several acres of shallow water covering limestone rocks, making it easy for beginning snorkelers to enjoy the fun.

Coral Reefs

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (floridastateparks.org) in Key Largo, the country's first undersea park, offers snorkeling off the beach and on tours that take you to a live coral reef. The 2.5-hour tours include transportation to the shallow reefs about three to eight miles offshore and 1.5 hours of snorkeling time. Less experienced snorkelers can hire an in-water guide to accompany them underwater. Reservations are highly recommended since each tour accommodates just six people. Snorkels, masks and fins are available to rent at the park.

Shipwrecks

Biscayne National Park (nps.gov), off the northernmost of the Florida Keys, gives you an opportunity to snorkel to see shipwrecks. Tours led by park rangers include a narrated history of the park and snorkeling along some of the wrecks that lie in shallow water. The tours include all snorkeling equipment. Dry Tortugas National Park (nps.gov), 70 miles from Key West, offers more snorkeling to view shipwrecks. Sights to see include an iron-hulled ship that wrecked in 1901 and has now become an artificial reef.

Planning

For safety, use dive flags when you snorkel to alert boaters that you're in the area. Dive flags are not necessary if you're snorkeling in a designated swimming area. Snorkeling near inlets should take place an hour or two before high tide so you don't get stranded. Bring your own snorkeling gear, or rent from the many beach shops or park concessionaires near your snorkeling destination. Some rental companies also rent wetsuits, helpful if the water is cold.

Resources

About the Author

Nancy Wagner is a marketing strategist and speaker who started writing in 1998. She writes business plans for startups and established companies and teaches marketing and promotional tactics at local workshops. Wagner's business and marketing articles have appeared in "Home Business Journal," "Nation’s Business," "Emerging Business" and "The Mortgage Press," among others. She holds a B.S. from Eastern Illinois University.